The Best Cities, Towns & Villages in Oxfordshire

Oxford captivates with its stunning university architecture, cobbled lanes, and riverside charm. Explore historic colleges, the Bodleian Library, and punting on the Cherwell for a timeless taste of academic elegance and English tradition.

Known as the gateway to the Cotswolds, Burford is famed for its medieval high street, stone cottages and surrounding countryside. Its historic charm and traditional inns make it a popular rural escape.

Set in the Cotswolds, Chipping Norton is known for its stone buildings, countryside surroundings and links to nearby Diddly Squat Farm Shop. Its market-town charm and rural setting make it a popular Oxfordshire retreat.

Famous for its annual regatta, Henley-on-Thames is a picturesque riverside town known for boating, elegant streets and scenic Thames walks. Its blend of historic charm, cafés and countryside makes it a popular South Oxfordshire destination.

Best known as the gateway to Blenheim Palace, Woodstock is a picturesque market town with historic streets, independent shops and Cotswold stone buildings. Its elegant character makes it a popular Oxfordshire destination.

Set beside the River Thames, Abingdon-on-Thames is one of England’s oldest market towns, known for its historic streets, riverside walks and traditional pubs. Its relaxed atmosphere and location near Oxford make it a popular Thames Valley destination.

Known for its market-town heritage and famous cross, Banbury combines historic streets, canals and shopping with easy access to the Cotswolds and surrounding countryside. It offers a lively yet traditional North Oxfordshire setting.

Known for the popular Bicester Village shopping destination, Bicester combines modern amenities with historic market-town character. Its location offers easy access to Oxford, the Cotswolds and the wider Thames Valley.

Surrounded by rolling countryside, Faringdon is a historic market town known for its independent shops, traditional pubs and nearby walking routes. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a charming base for exploring the Vale of White Horse.

Known for its historic high street and market-town charm, Thame combines independent shops, traditional pubs and nearby countryside walks. Its relaxed atmosphere and easy access to Oxford and London make it a popular Oxfordshire destination.

Surrounded by the Vale of White Horse countryside, Wantage is a historic market town known for its traditional streets, local markets and nearby walking routes. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular Oxfordshire base.

Set on the edge of the Cotswolds, Witney is a historic market town known for its stone buildings, independent shops and nearby countryside walks. Its relaxed atmosphere and easy access to Oxford make it a popular West Oxfordshire base.

Known for its railway heritage and science links, Didcot combines modern development with easy access to the Thames Valley countryside. Its strong transport connections make it a convenient base near Oxford and Reading.

Located just north of Oxford, Kidlington combines village character with convenient access to the city and surrounding countryside. Its green spaces, local amenities and transport links make it a practical Oxfordshire base.

Set beside the River Thames, Wallingford is a historic market town known for its riverside walks, medieval heritage and traditional pubs. Its relaxed atmosphere and countryside setting make it a charming Thames Valley destination.